Vegetarian Mexican food may sound like a laughable feat, but the Cano family at Cinnamon Vegetarian Restaurant creates hearty, meat-free dishes. The jumping shrimp cocktail is a mandatory start to any Cinnamon meal. A goblet filled with a mixture of gazpacho and cocktail sauce topped with chopped cucumber and cilantro. The soy shrimp are a clone of regular shrimp in their look, taste and texture. Chicken mole also resembles the real thing and is extremely tender and moist with a cinnamon-accented sauce, while the Guatemalan tamales are savory, soft and presented beautifully on a large green leaf. Cinnamon's chorizo is juicy but not greasy and is delicious on sopes - two soft, fried, corn-based pastries topped with refried beans, guacamole, and lettuce. Even a local who frequents authentic taco trucks was impressed. "This area is mostly Mexican and it is possible to get the same food but more healthy," says Columbian co-owner Esperanza Cano.

While everyone defines health differently based on individual dietary needs and beliefs, hopefully some of these establishments can help you breathe - and eat - a little easier next time you go out for a meal.

Sarah Haufrect - Editor
Pasadena Magazine
October 2008, Page 86